Friday, January 12, 2024
Headlines Daily Digest
Affordable Connectivity Program to End Soon Barring Congressional Action
Don't Miss:
Everyone Connected: Connecticut's Digital Equity Plan
EPA Calls on Telecom Executives to Meet About Lead-Sheathed Phone Cables
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Safe Connected Cars for Domestic Violence Survivors
Digital Equity
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
State/Local
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Privacy
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Artificial Intelligence
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Consumer Protections
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Ownership
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Environment
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Labor
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Mobile/Wireless
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Devices
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Court Case
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Policymakers
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Digital Equity
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced requirements and guidance for the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The FCC currently projects that the last month for which the ACP can fully reimburse providers for the ACP benefits provided to enrolled households is April 2024. Should Congress not appropriate additional money, the existing funds will be exhausted, the FCC will have to end the ACP, and providers will stop providing discounts to enrolled households. The FCC nonetheless remains dedicated to providing ACP households an orderly transition out of the program and, more importantly, to keeping as many ACP households as possible connected to broadband service after the end of the program. To prepare low-income households and broadband providers, as well as the organizations that help support eligible households’ enrollment, and as required by the FCC’s delegation to the Bureau in the ACP Order, the Bureau announced ACP wind-down procedures. These procedures include the process for notifying enrolled ACP households about the impact of program termination on their broadband service and bills and the freezing of new enrollments in the program. This Order also offers guidance to providers regarding advertising, awareness, and outreach requirements; the timing of claims submissions; and participation during a possible partially funded month of ACP. The FCC also encourages providers to help ACP households transition to providers’ own low-income internet offerings.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
The fate of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) hangs in the balance. Amid warnings that the internet subsidy program will shut down this spring without additional funds, Congress proposed legislation that would allocate another $7 billion to the ACP pool. But chances of the bill becoming law is “significantly below 50%,” said New Street Research’s Blair Levin. The $7 billion allotment is slightly higher than the $6 billion figure the Federal Communications Commission requested, saying it would extend ACP benefits through the end of the year. Just under $4 billion remains in the program’s funding pot. An ACP shutdown would have a rippling effect on consumers, internet service providers, and BEAD. “ACP is the best program we've ever had to address the affordability component of the digital divide,” said Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “Letting ACP [lapse] would be a significant step backward in broadband policy,” he concluded.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an order awarding 22 grants totaling nearly $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP). Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act the NBBP provides up to $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Megabits per second (up/down) in unserved and underserved areas of the state. During the 2023 grant cycle, the Nebraska PSC received 51 applications for funding through the NBBP. Upon review of the applications and the challenges received the Nebraska PSC determined 22 submissions would be funded. The grants awarded were submitted by 10 providers for a total of $19,713,379.26. The 10 awardees are:
- Glenwood Telecommunications
- CenturyLink
- Pinpoint Communications
- Allo Communications
- Cambridge Telephone Company
- Cox Nebraska Telecom
- Diller Telephone Company
- Stealth Broadband
- Hartington Telecommunications Co
- Charter Communications
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) announced a $10 million state grant to help deliver affordable broadband to every home in the city of Cleveland. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R-OH) made the announcement at nonprofit internet provider DigitalC’s headquarters on Euclid Avenue, where they joined Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb (D) and Council President Blaine Griffin to tout the state’s investment. The state money, which comes from a wing of the Ohio Department of Development known as BroadbandOhio, will go to DigitalC, a local nonprofit that Mayor Bibb and council selected as Cleveland’s route to low-cost, citywide broadband. DigitalC promises to deliver at least 100 megabits per second for $18 a month. Every Cleveland household that’s interested should be able to sign up for DigitalC’s service once the rollout is complete. On top of Cleveland’s broadband plan, the state has also provided money to a similar program serving Cuyahoga County. Once both are complete, Gov DeWine said the “Cleveland metro area will have almost full internet coverage.”
Vermont Community Broadband Board Invites Proposals for New Program to Aid Entities Applying for BEAD Program
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) invites proposals from eligible internet service providers to take part in the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Subrecipient Support Program, which provides funds to promote the ability of various entities to participate in the BEAD Program. The program provides needs-based grants to assist in preparing a BEAD application. Awards range from $10,000-$200,000 to be used for planning, analysis, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and short-term capacity necessary to plan and draft an application to the BEAD program. Municipalities, municipal organizations, co-ops, utilities, for-profit entities, nonprofit entities, or other consortiums are all eligible for support from this program. Priority will be given to entities facing financial, in-house expertise, or other barriers that complicate or make it more challenging to apply for funding via BEAD.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
In 2022, Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT) called on the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology within the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to lead the State’s efforts around digital equity. In late 2023, the commission released its draft digital equity plan, Connecticut: Everyone Connected, for public comment. Feedback on the plan can be submitted until January 20, 2024. Connecticut’s vision for digital equity is for all residents to flourish across every aspect of life — from learning, working, and civic engagement to general well-being — with the assistance of technology tools and skills. These outcomes will take place through a collaborative ecosystem of resources and services that improve lives through digital access. The shared understanding behind this vision arises out of concerted efforts to reduce barriers to technology.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote to auto manufacturers as well as wireless service providers to seek their help in protecting domestic abuse survivors from the misuse of connected car tools by abusers. As modern vehicles make it increasingly easy for passengers and drivers to access hands-free communication tools, find-your-car services, and more, these smart car services can and have been used to stalk, harass, and intimidate survivors of intimate partner violence. The Chairwoman sent letters to nine of the largest automakers serving the American marketplace. These letters ask the companies for details about the connected car systems they offer, any existing plans to support survivors in their efforts to disconnect from abusers, and how these companies handle consumers’ geolocation data. [Also see Automaker Letters and Wireless Provider Letters]
AI
Reps Lieu (D-CA), Nunn (R-IA), Beyer (D-VA) and Molinaro (R-NY) Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish AI Guidelines for Federal Agencies and Vendors
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
Reps Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) introduced the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to require US federal agencies and vendors to follow the AI risk management guidelines put forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Congress directed the NIST to develop an AI Risk Management Framework that organizations, public and private, could employ to ensure they use AI systems in a trustworthy manner. This framework was released in 2023 and is supported by a wide range of public and private sector organizations, but federal agencies are not currently required to use this framework to manage their use of AI systems. The Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act would require federal agencies and vendors to incorporate the NIST framework into their AI management efforts to help limit the risks that could be associated with AI technology.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
All of the big cable companies, and many of the smaller ones, routinely use hidden fees to disguise the true cost of buying cable TV. The Federal Communications Commission has been moving to tackle hidden fees, and at its December 2023 meeting it released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to eliminate a service fee and early termination fees on customer who want to break the contracts that are required to get promotional pricing. Not surprisingly, the cable industry is fighting vehemently against the elimination of such fees. In December, NCTA – the Internet and Television Association, which is the trade association for the major cable TV companies, sent a letter to the FCC telling the agency that it doesn’t have the authority to tackle junk fees since that would amount to rate regulation. NCTA says that the FCC will be depriving consumers of getting low-cost specials if the providers have to tell the public the truth about the real cost of the specials.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
The Federal Trade Commission proposes to amend the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, consistent with the requirements of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The proposed modifications are intended to respond to changes in technology and online practices, and where appropriate, to clarify and streamline the Rule. The proposed modifications, which are based on the FTC’s review of public comments and its enforcement experience, are intended to clarify the scope of the Rule and/or strengthen its protection of personal information collected from children.
Ownership
Charlie Ergen Makes ‘Inscrutable’ Moves, Shields Parts of Dish Spectrum and Pay TV Biz From Existing Creditors
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
After closing on his re-merger of Dish Network and EchoStar, Chairman Charlie Ergen outlined a series of strategic asset shifts that shield certain spectrum assets, as well as the cash generated by about three million Dish pay-TV subscribers, from existing creditors. The moves “further unlock incremental strategic, financial and operating flexibility for its business following completion of its merger” with Dish Network. In an investor note headlined, “Making Sense of the Inscrutable,” equity analyst Craig Moffett labeled the announcement “bewilderingly complicated,” while noting the conspicuous absence of a follow-up conference call by Ergen and his team to explain the “why” behind the moves. Moffett also referenced the collapse of the Dish Network bond market, with investors worried about the company's more than $20 billion of debt.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/external-link-small.png)
The Environmental Protection Agency sent letters requesting telecommunications companies to meet with the agency about their lead-sheathed phone cables, in a new phase of an investigation in the EPA’s efforts to protect the public from potential lead hazards. The agency’s move comes on the heels of the EPA finding more than 100 soil and sediment readings with lead above the regulator’s safety guideline for children at some phone lead-cable sites in three states. “This is lead that could be concerning” based on factors like “exposure and pathways” into the body, said Clifford Villa, head of the EPA’s “Superfund” office that cleans up contaminated sites. The preliminary data from the agency’s sampling supports the EPA determination that the investigation of lead telecommunications cables is a “high priority,” said Grant Cope, senior counselor to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Both officials are helping oversee the EPA’s investigation. The EPA determined that the lead found near each cable location doesn’t require an emergency response or constitute an immediate health threat, partly because many spots where the agency tested were covered by grass, which the agency said could act as a barrier to reduce exposure. The EPA’s own handbook for lead-contaminated residential sites says grass cover isn’t always a permanent or protective remedy to guard against lead hazards over time.
Benton (www.benton.org) provides the only free, reliable, and non-partisan daily digest that curates and distributes news related to universal broadband, while connecting communications, democracy, and public interest issues. Posted Monday through Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments, policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are factually accurate, their sometimes informal tone may not always represent the tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang (headlines AT benton DOT org), Grace Tepper (grace AT benton DOT org), and Zoe Walker (zwalker AT benton DOT org) — we welcome your comments.
© Benton Institute for Broadband & Society 2023. Redistribution of this email publication — both internally and externally — is encouraged if it includes this message. For subscribe/unsubscribe info email: headlines AT benton DOT org
![Kevin Taglang](https://benton.org/sites/default/files/kevin-taglang-small.png)
Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
headlines AT benton DOT org
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society All Rights Reserved © 2023